Mark Stevenson, MSc

The Social Brain: Why Trivia Nights are the Ultimate Cognitive Workout

Discover how the combination of social interaction, lighthearted competition, and memory recall at trivia nights creates a powerful neurobiological boost for your brain.

The Joy of Baking Bread: How Kneading Dough Unlocks the Ultimate Flow State

Why the ancient art of bread making is more than just a culinary skill—it's a powerful neurological tool for stress relief and deep focus.

The Analog Social Network: The Art of the Community Flyer Kiosk

Why the messy, paper-covered board at your local coffee shop or park is the most important social technology in your neighborhood. Exploring weak ties, local belonging, and the history of the public notice.

The Psychology of the 'Comfort Watch': Why Re-watching Your Favorite Shows is Self-Care

Is it a waste of time or a mental health masterstroke? Discover the fascinating science behind why we watch the same shows over and over.

The Pantry Paradigm: How Small Boxes of Food Build Massive Amounts of Community Trust

Little Free Pantries are popping up everywhere. Beyond the calories, they are serving up a powerful social experiment in radical trust and mutual aid.

The Science of Bed Rotting: When is Laziness Actually Self-Care?

TikTok's most controversial wellness trend explored. Is 'bed rotting' a valid recovery tool for a burnt-out generation, or a slippery slope into depression?

The Biology of Brown Adipose Tissue: Thermogenesis and Metabolic Health

A deep dive into Brown Adipose Tissue (BAT), the body's 'fat-burning fat,' and its role in calorie expenditure and insulin sensitivity.

The Science of the Physical Thesaurus: Semantic Depth and Slow Word Discovery

Explore the cognitive benefits of using a physical thesaurus, focusing on semantic depth, slow word discovery, and the neurobiology of language.

The Helper’s High: Why Volunteering is the Most Rewarding Health Habit You Can Start

Discover the biological rewards of altruism. How giving your time to others can lower your blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and add years to your life.

The Biology of Zinc: DNA Transcription, Immune Resilience, and Endocrine Health

A comprehensive analysis of Zinc, exploring its role in zinc finger proteins, its essential function in T-cell maturation, and its direct influence on testosterone synthesis and aromatase inhibition.

The Neurobiology of Self-Compassion: Vagal Tone, Oxytocin, and the Cortisol Switch

Explore the biological impact of self-kindness. Learn how self-compassion shifts the brain from the 'threat-defense' system to the 'care-providing' system, improving heart rate variability and immune function.

The Neurobiology of Dyslexia: Information Processing, Phonological Awareness, and Neural Rewiring

Explore the structural and functional differences in the dyslexic brain. Learn about the 'phonological deficit' and how targeted intervention can rewire neural pathways for reading.